Croatia is becoming an increasingly popular summer destination for those looking for an affordable beach vacation in Europe. With so many islands, you can choose the kind of experience you want for your vacation, whether it’s relaxation, nightlife, outdoor activities, or food and wine.
Each island boasts a rich heritage and its own distinctive cuisine, as well as activities tailored to its unique geography. The departure point for each of these four islands is the coastal port city of Split, which features its own heritage, UNESCO-designated sites, and an extensive ferry network.
Brač
A short ferry ride from Split lies the mountainous island of Brač, one of the largest and most accessible of the Adriatic islands. You can visit by ferry as a day trip from Split or stay for a week or more to enjoy the stunning scenery and numerous outdoor activities. In fact, one of the most appealing aspects of Brač is the wide variety of experiences available.
You can relax on the beach, hike through pine forests, or enjoy incredible views after reaching the summit of 2,552-foot-high Vidova Gora, the highest peak in the Adriatic islands.
Alternatively, the island’s more touristy southern side offers more beaches, restaurants, bars, and accommodations. A great place to stay in the south is the coastal town of Bol. In the summer, a fast catamaran ferry connects Bol with Split; at other times of the year, you can get there by bus from the ferry terminal in Supetar.
A fun and affordable accommodation option in Bol is to stay in an apartment, so you can visit the local markets, brimming with seasonal produce, and cook your own meals. Bol also has several excellent seafood and pizza restaurants.
Hvar
The most cosmopolitan and popular of the Croatian islands is Hvar. Elegant hotels, upscale restaurants, and trendy seaside bars line the coast, which is often frequented by private yachts.
The nearby Mina Beach is an ideal spot for a dip in the ocean.
No matter where you are, one of the most fun ways to explore Hvar is by scooter. The island’s interior is mountainous and rocky, hiding ancient abandoned settlements, the fields of Hvar’s famous lavender, and vineyards on the hillsides; meanwhile, the coastline is dotted with pretty beach coves and quiet fishing villages. Five miles from the town of Hvar, in a picturesque cove, lies the secluded Dubovica Beach; it’s a charming spot to spend the day, perhaps with a visit to the beach bar and restaurant to sample local cheese and fresh seafood.
You can reach the town of Hvar directly from Split by catamaran or Jadrolinija ferry, and you can reach Jelsa via a Jadrolinija ferry through Brač.
Korčula
The town of Korčula is the most versatile place to stay, and the prettiest, with its medieval stone fortifications reminiscent of Dubrovnik, palm trees, and quiet swimming spots within walking distance. Just like on Brač, you can get a more local experience by staying in an apartment. No matter where you stay, if you’re in Korčula from mid-June through September, be sure to check out the town’s traditional Sword Dance Festival.
Korčula has incredible pizzerias and seafood restaurants, as well as some truly picturesque hiking and biking opportunities. Rent a bike in town for a day trip to Račišce, a charming and peaceful little village nestled in a bay on the north coast. The eight-mile (one way) ride takes you along the coast through picturesque olive groves and vineyards.
The easiest way to get to Korčula is by the Krilo ferry, which departs from Split twice a day, or by the Jadrolinija catamaran, which travels every afternoon from Split to Hvar and then on to the town of Korčula. Alternatively, take the ferry in the opposite direction, departing from Dubrovnik in the morning. There are other Jadrolinija ferry connections, but they arrive at other ports on the island. That said, getting to the pretty port town of Vela Luka on the western tip of the island isn’t so bad, and you can connect to Korčula Town on a scenic bus ride.
Šolta
A small, quiet, and underrated island with a slower pace of life. This peaceful island is known for its quiet fishing villages, narrow alleyways, and tranquil beaches, and it’s the island to choose if you’re looking for a serene retreat away from the crowds, where relaxation is the top priority.
The island is wooded and not very mountainous, making it ideal for exploring on foot or by bike, with plenty of marked trails and maps available from the tourist information office. The islanders are proud of their local products and want you to love them as much as they do. There are a few family-run agritourism businesses inland where you can spend the night.
The village of Maslinica on the west coast has the feel of an unspoiled fishing village. It’s a fabulous town, with fresh seafood and a five-star hotel housed in a 300-year-old castle. Its beaches are quite rocky, and there’s a beautiful and unusual view of a small archipelago of islets off the shore.
The larger town of Stomorska has a pretty harbor and more affordable apartments with panoramic ocean views. It also has a wider variety of restaurants, including Konoba Nevera, where you should order the special Dalmatian black risotto.
The best thing about Šolta is that there’s always a quiet beach within a short walk, no matter which village you’re staying in. You can reach Šolta in an hour by ferry or in 30 minutes by catamaran. Public transportation on the island itself is relatively infrequent, but there are buses connecting the port town of Rogač through other villages.
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